BRAVE Church

As the world changes and difficulties arise, looking to true stories in the Bible like the Exodus of the Israelites from captivity and the parting of the Red Sea are so important. As we walk through Exodus 14, we will find it teaching us how to wait on God, navigate life's struggles using Scripture and it will help us to find ourselves walking in God's will for our life. Speaker: Justin Hart

The culmination of this series involved five reasons to get ready for what is coming. These five reasons, coupled with five exhortations, have been embedded in the book of Revelation and seen throughout the entirety of the Scriptures. Hearing the proclamation of God's Word expounding the truth of Revelation 22 will prepare the believer for the upcoming and expected blessings, but also convict the unrighteous of their need to repent and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. May this message set your heart aflame for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords and may you eagerly await all that the Lord Jesus Christ has in store for us. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This exciting text whets the appetite in the life of the believer for what God has planned in the future. Some may consider that this text is referencing the eternal state; however, it worthy of considering that this text is discussing the Millennium. Either way, the truth of the text does not change and the expectations for the believer remain the same. As you spend time reading and pondering Revelation 21 may these five truths encourage your soul. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed four events from Revelation that will certainly take place, even though we have been waiting for a long time. Three of the four of these events thrill our heart, while one of them causes us to soberly pause and consider the importance of the Gospel. All of the events highlight the glory of God and His eternal power as the Sovereign of the universe. Considering the truths of Revelation 20 are imperative for clear understanding of what will take place. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Abiel Mir

This week our guest speaker, Pastor Luis Peralta from Harvest CDMX in Mexico City, earnestly urged BRAVE Church to live out the "A" in BRAVE! He challenged us to be authentic in acknowledging the sin in our lives. This week, we looked at Psalm 51, David's example of a fully surrendered heart. This is where true freedom lies. Speaker: Luis Peralta

Sometimes we consider Hallelujah a word that should only be said in a church service; however we learned that we can Praise the Lord at any time because He is always so worthy. As the scene unfolds for how Christ will quickly engage in the final battle of Armageddon it thrills our heart to see our Lord and King defeating his enemies; not to mention the fact that we will have a front row seat! This encouraging text from the book of Revelation should provide a clearer picture of Jesus Christ and who we truly worship. May the Lord give you insight as you continue to meditate on this passage Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Movies, media, magazines and ministries highlight all sorts of ways that events will occur; however, the Bible is the only reliable source. The sudden halt to the economy and commerce will be devastating for those who have built their lives upon the sand rather than on the Word of God. Hearing messages like this should encourage the believer to flee from a lifestyle of sin and live holy, righteous and upright lives that honor the Lord. May God be gracious to you as you continue to journey with Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied Revelation 17 and learned that there is definitely a finality to false religion in the world. Today, people choose to worship whatever or whoever they want in whatever fashion they deem best. However, the words of Jesus being the way the truth and the life are just as true today as they have ever been. It is important for us to understand what true faith looks like and the challenges of worshipping anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Bonus Content: Downloadable charts are available hereThis week we studied the final seven bowl judgments of God's wrath on planet earth. When studying God's wrath, we sometimes forget it is because of His awesome character that He is acting in the way He chooses. However, a closer look at the Scriptures reveals the incredible character of our God and why He is going to do the things that He chooses in the future. Understanding the nature of the character of our God will help us as we continue to take steps with Him. May God's Grand Finale of judgment unveil more about the splendor of His character and the reason why He is worthy of your celebration and worship. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

It's very important for you, as a believer in Christ, to be centered on God's Word and His promises so that the enemy doesn't cause you to live in fear. God allows and will continue to allow satan a rebellious spirit for a period of time. However, that time will be short-lived and God will have His way as He has promised from the very beginning. As saints of the Lord may we persevere in our faith and continue to seek God's face. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Understanding their identity, practice and plan helps us as believers to know what to expect in our world as we move closer to the end. During the final three and half years of human history the antichrist will attempt to establish his authority as a political and military leader. The false prophet will be his minister of propaganda and facilitate his leadership. These times will call for perseverance and wisdom of the saints as they endure faithfully to the end. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Bonus Content: Download "Who I Am In Christ" hereIn sporting events and theater, we like to learn about the "cast of characters" and what is really going on behind the curtain. This week, we studied Revelation 12 and began to learn of some of the significant characters that will be in play during the end-times drama. Chapters 12-15 are parenthetical, and help us to better understand what will take place during the last three and a half years on our planet. The five characters we discussed prove important if we are to understand God and how he relates to us. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He has given us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness (1 Peter 1:3), most importantly the Holy Spirit in us! So, though we have a spiritual enemy, God has given us the spiritual resources we need to walk increasingly in victory over daily sin and temptation. Our Father does not want us to be ambushed by our enemy, that's why in His Word He exposes the schemes that Satan repeatedly tries to use against us (2 Corinthians 2:11, 1 Peter 5:8). Speaker: Jon Gaus

During seasons of challenge, trial and crisis, we need to make sure that we rely completely upon that which is certain. Choosing to place our hope and trust in Jesus Christ is essential, but as believers we need to know what else we can be rely on in any given situation. This week we studied Revelation 11 and learned about the two witnesses and the seventh trumpet. Studying this passage helped us to understand five certainties that will keep us sane in trying times. These five truths from God's Word will always be true and bring great comfort to those who trust Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

John sees the angel descend and set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land and then make an oath by the God who created the universe that this age was ready to come to an end. As this book has been progressing this hiatus in the text instructs us how to respond when circumstances become difficult. Listen to the message again, read your Bible and then spend some time considering the questions. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Revelation 9 contains sobering words about the severity of the first two woes. While the first four trumpet judgements focused on the ecology of the earth, the next three trumpets focus specifically on unrepentant people (the fifth, sixth and seventh trumpet are referred to as the three woes). As the fifth and sixth trumpets are blown we learn of God using a demonic hoard to punish unrepentant people on the earth. This unrelenting punishment during the Day of the Lord is difficult to read and even more challenging to engage since many of us picture the people we know who are presently lost and apart from Christ. However, a clear understanding of Revelation 9 helps us understand the holiness of God and the necessity of His judgment. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

As Revelation chapter 8 opens we hear about silence in heaven for about a half an hour because God's wrath is finally going to be unleashed on planet earth. This sobering text shows us the severity of our sin and the truth that God's holiness that cannot tolerate it. In the book of Genesis, we saw God destroy the world with a flood and in the book of Revelation we see a how God will ultimately purify the world from sin so that He may establish His reign. As you read Revelation 8, listen to the message and ponder the questions, may our God show you the importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

For over 150 years the evangelical church has mainly been taught a pre-tribulational rapture of the saints, which theorizes the church will be raptured and then the 70th week of Daniel will begin. Some have been taught that Jesus returns at the midpoint of the seven years and still others believe He will return at the end. This week we took the time to set a context for what the Scriptures said would happen. God desires for us to know what to expect in the last days and therefore has given us His Word to study. May the truth of this week's message stir your hearts to love God more. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Bonus Content: Downloadable charts are available hereWhen the scroll is opened, prophetic events will begin to take place on the planet in an unprecedented manner. The opening of the scroll beings a major progression of challenges that begin to ensue at the beginning of the 70th Week of Daniel. These events in chapter 6 begin with the first seal of the antichrist and end with the sixth seal that portends (or foreshadows) the wrath of God that is coming upon an unbelieving world. God is preparing His saints for what is coming so that we will endure to the end. May we know the Lord and be ready for His return. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied Revelation 5 and learned four characteristics or qualities of Jesus Christ that made Him the only One worthy to open the scroll. In the midst of the beauty and majesty of the throne, Jesus Christ is seen looking like a lamb standing as if slain. This amazing picture of our Lord demonstrates His love for us in purchasing us through His death on the cross. We also see the four living creatures and the 24 elders continuing to worship Him because He has purchased people from every tribe tongue and nation. All creation will ultimately understand that they were designed to give God our highest and best praise. As we live our lives we are encouraged to be prepared to worship Christ our King. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This chapter is simply a preview of what is to come in our worship. Many times, we become cavalier in our worship and need to be reminded of its importance in our daily lives as we prepare to meet the Lord. A study in Revelation 4 causes us to be overwhelmed by God and His character as we prepare to meet Him. Regardless of how we view God, our view certainly is not big enough. As you listen to this week's message, meditate on God's Word and review the questions, may God grant you a greater desire to worship Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The uniqueness to this letter was that it was the only church where no strengths were mentioned. This lukewarm body of believers had made the Lord nauseous because of their lethargy and complacency. They didn't care that Jesus Christ was prominent in their church even though he was standing outside the church knocking on the door. While this church received no commendation, Jesus was still trying to come in so that He could experience a relationship with this church. In our culture today, this message is needed as we continue in our journey with Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but God said it was a dead church. The church in Philadelphia, on the other hand, had little power but God declared it faithful and strong in the Lord. Studying these churches in the book of Revelation provides insight for how God is leading His church and what He values. Not only should we be serving in a life-giving church, but we should be life-giving Christians who are growing and maturing in the Lord. As you listen to this week's message and ponder the questions, allow the Spirit of God to help you understand what you need to learn. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira in chapter 2 of the book of Revelation. Both of these churches were strong in some areas but ultimately suffered in a similar fashion due to false teaching from within. In Pergamum, they were rebuked for some who held to the teaching of Balaam and others who held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. In Thyatira they tolerated the teaching of Jezebel, which was also leading God's people astray. God hates false teaching because it leads people away from God and often times into sexual immorality and idolatry. This study should not only help us take note of BRAVE Church as a whole, but should also encourage a time of self-reflection. The only way out of immorality and idolatry is repentance. May this study be an opportunity to repent and get right with the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

After a quick overview of the seven churches that we will be addressing we spent some time discussing the structure in each of the letters. These six items can prove helpful in our interpretation of the Scriptures. We began our study by looking at the first two churches. First, we studied the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a strong church who had become performance-driven rather than living in their identity. These factors caused this church to lose its primary ministry to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Next, we studied the church in Smyrna and learned that this church was encouraged to persevere in trials, imprisonment and even death. This church reminded us that we should not fear tribulation or death in the work of Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Many people still have a picture of Jesus that depicts Him as meek and mild and soft. As we discussed the vision of Jesus Christ spelled out in Revelation 1:9-20 we were alerted to the fact that Jesus is the all-powerful king of kings and lord of lords. Having a true picture of Jesus Christ readies us for His coming and prepares our heart to love Him even more. May God's Word grow you in your pursuit of Christ! Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Why Teach Revelation? With so many people in the body of Christ who have become jaded, confused, frustrated and divisive over the content of the book, why should it be studied? To answer this question, we read and unpacked the first 8 verses of this great book and discovered 5 reasons why this book was worth studying. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

From the creation of the world to the cradle which held our LORD, God has had a purpose and a plan. The more we know and understand about the Word of God the more we understand about our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. In discussing the birth of Christ, we learned four qualities of being a disciple that prove helpful. As you spend time listening to the message and reading the questions, may the Spirit of God guide you into all truth. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Even though we often do not understand all that God is doing we certainly know that He had a plan from the very beginning. In Genesis we see that God had a plan from Noah's son, Shem, to bring about Abram who would become the Father of the nation of Israel. God chose Abram and Sarai, even though they were unlikely choices. He made a covenant with Abram that He would bless Him and make his name great. God has delivered on His promise and has not left Himself without a witness in every nation in the world. God desires all people to come into a relationship with himself. We simply need to respond through our faith in Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

God's desire for His image-bearers was to multiply on the earth so that His glory could be seen in all of His world. Unfortunately, sin in the heart of man created a desire for them to stay in one place to build a city, worship who and what they wanted and to expand their own greatness. Even though the people rebelled against God, He demonstrated His miraculous grace. Rather than punishing His people again He chose to confuse their languages so that they were forced to scatter out across the globe. God's confusion of language allowed for the development of cultures, ethnicities and people groups. These are all wonderful things when we understand that we are all of value to God. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

After 377 days on the ark, Noah and the other seven survivors were now responsible for moving forward. Therefore, God provided instruction for how they were to live and what they were to prioritize. In Genesis 9 we see the character of God, the sinfulness of man and how God expects his image-bearers to live. Understanding the character of God then helps us understand how to live now the way he would desire. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Genesis 7 and 8 tell of God's complete destruction of the world through a global flood. Prior to Noah there was never a global flood and after Noah God promised there would never be another global flood again. God is true to His Word and while there have been local floods there has never been another global flood. God promised that He would give 120 years for man to repent and yet only Noah and his family were saved through the ark. The entire world lived completely apart from God and perished in the flood. The tragedy of the story is that many people today are still living apart from God not realizing that their sin will bring about their own destruction. May we learn from this story and repent and turn to Christ now! Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Sometimes we have difficulty understanding the full character of God because we have only heard of an aspect of His nature rather than the entire story. Some Christians falsely believe that God's love means that you can do whatever you want and there is no consequence. Others falsely teach that just one sin will land you hell and every day you must stand on alert ready to repent or face His wrath. The truth is that God is all-loving and all-just because He is holy. That means He has a great love for us and at the same time will punish sin because that is His nature. In Genesis 6 we learn how God responds to a broken, sinful and disobedient world. What we learn from Genesis 6 will help us understand how He deals with us today. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In this message we compare and contrast the genealogical lines of Cain and Seth. It's not uncommon for people to skip or skim this text but God writes His Word to us because He has a message for us to understand. This week as we studied the text we saw the differences in the posterity of families based upon who the men were in the family tree. We discovered several interesting facts and learned what God wants us to understand what He values most in our lives. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

For many of us even when we know the answers to the questions we are being asked we are uncomfortable with people prying into our lives. This week's four question quiz was an opportunity for all of us to allow the LORD to help evaluate our worship of Him. This is important for us to understand because the worship of the LORD Jesus Christ is paramount to our relationship with God and brings us the greatest joy. The good news about this quiz is that even if we are not doing well we can start afresh through confession and repentance. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

There are three problems with sin that demonstrate our need for a Savior. In Genesis 3 we learned that although God created a perfect world and a made human beings the crown of His creation (image-bearers) both Adam and Eve sinned. This sin changed our relationship with God, one another, and the world He created. Since we can't hide, avoid punishment or save ourselves we are in great need of mercy. Fortunately, God provided a promise that one day satan would be defeated and God would provide a way for mankind to be redeemed. Understanding God's Word in Genesis 3 provides the need for a Savior and demonstrates God's goodness in spite of our sin. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Genesis chapter 3 highlights the fall of mankind by showing how Adam and Even listened to the voice of satan rather than being obedient to LORD God. Our LORD God created a perfect world to be inhabited by human beings who would bear His image; however, when sin entered the world everything changed. Our relationship with God and others is now contaminated by sin causing all sorts of problems including the fact that we will all die. While this story is painful and tragic it is imperative that we study and learn from this story so that we can learn the Gospel and grow in Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Genesis 2:4-25 shows more from God's perspective of His creation on Day 6. God not only made the earth a unique planet to be inhabited but created human beings as the crown of all of His creation. Although the earth was wonderfully made, it was not complete until God had human beings placed on the earth to accomplish His work. We also learned about the beauty of marriage and God's design for deep relationships and procreation. God's Word is a very accurate, historical account of how the universe was created and established by Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In this message we will study the opening narrative in our Bible. Pastor Jeff will attempt to ask and answer three specific questions: First, Who created the universe? Second, How was the universe created? Third, Do you believe this? In an attempt to answer these questions, we read the entire passage from Genesis 1:1-2:3 and then began to allow Scripture to help us search for answers. By simply allowing God to speak for Himself we learned that God created the everything in the universe in six, literal, 24-hour, consecutive days and then rested on the seventh day. The biggest question that must be answered is whether you believe the plain reading of God's Word or not. As mentioned in the message this is not an issue of salvation but of Biblical Authority. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The first message in our Alpha and Omega series helps us understand how God established the world and how He plans to restore the world in the future. Because these topics have been deemed controversial, many Christians have not taken the time to explore and believe the truths found in the first 11 chapters of the Bible. However, God makes His Word clear and therefore it remains imperative that we allow the Word of God to speak and that we place ourselves under His authority. As we began our series we answered two main questions: Why teach Genesis 1-11 and how is God introduced? Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In the great commandment of Matthew 22, what we see is that all of scripture finds it's fulfillment through our love for God and our love for others. God desires our lives to be fully devoted to Him, that we would have an abiding relationship with God. From that abiding relationship, we would then pour that out and love those who are around us. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples, and so our faith is not for ourselves but for all those we come across in our lives. It's important to know that this isn't easy, and it all has to be done out of God's strength in and through us. Speaker: Mark Guthrie

Throughout history, we have seen generations ebb and flow in their faith and even have entire generations, such as the judges 2 generation that did not know the Lord. That will not be our story here at BRAVE. We want to invest in the next generation and not experience generational faith drift. As you listen to this sermon, pay attention to the ways that the Israelites missed the mark and ask the question...how might God be asking me to help build up the faith of the next generation? Speaker: Josh Mackey

When we see the landscape of our culture and ask the question, "What in the world is going on?", that is a signal that God is wanting to gain our attention. As Christians, we may wrongly think that God is simply upset at non-believers and is ready to punish them, but the fact remains that He cares so much about us as His children that He wants our hearts to be completely centered on Him. As you listen to this sermon and review the notes, it is our hope that God will get your attention and that you will respond in faith. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

As Israel transitioned their leadership from Moses to Joshua, Moses encouraged the entire assembly of Israel as well as Joshua to be strong and courageous. The reason for this confidence stemmed from the fact that it was the Lord who was going before them, would be with them, and had a perfect track record of faithfulness. In our lives today, the Lord is the One whom we can trust as we set our hearts upon him. As you listen to this sermon and review the notes, it is our hope that fear will no longer have a grip on you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In our world, at times, we begin to think "if only" we could change our circumstances; our feelings on the inside would change as well. However, the reality is that at any time, we can experience the presence of Christ and be content no matter what situation we face. By being obedient to God's Word, we can grow and remain in a state of contentment. May God continue to grow you in your contentment in Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In a world that causes uneasiness, worry, doubt, and fear, and it important that we trust God for His leading in our lives. As believers, we have the ability to be consumed by Christ's peace in any given moment. This is because peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the favor of God through it. We learned that stress, worry, and anxiety are an invitation by God for us to seek His face and pray. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The Apostle Paul writes from a prison cell to let us know that joy is not just an idea but a reality for those who know the person and work of Jesus Christ. In seasons of difficulties and uncertainties, sometimes it becomes difficult to maintain our joy and yet it is completely possible through Jesus Christ. Consider the Word of God this week as you aspire to experience the fullness of the joy found in Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Jesus not only came to bring us eternal life, but he also provides us abundant life here on earth. His first miracle of turning water into wine not only helped authenticate that he was the promised Messiah, but it was also a foreshadowing of how he alone would provide cleansing of sin for whoever would repent and call on his name to be saved. Speaker: Jon Gaus